OSHA to Investigate Cirque du Soleil Performer's Death

Sarah Guyard-Guillot fell approximately 120 feet to her death during a performance Saturday.

Jul 02, 2013

OSHA has stepped in to investigate the death of a Cirque du Soleil performer on Saturday in Las Vegas. The fatality is the first in the company’s nearly 30-year history and occurred during a show.

Sarah Guyard-Guillot, 31, fell to her death, yet a spokesperson for Cirque du Soleil said that the performer did not slip out of her harness. OSHA is investigating the incident to determine if any safety violations occurred.

The company’s show “Ka” at MGM Resorts International was shut down indefinitely, but other Cirque du Soleil shows are expected to continue.

Audience members witnessed Guyard-Guillot fall approximately 120 feet during the climax of the performance. The music was cut off and tickets were refunded or exchanged for future show vouchers. Guyard-Guillot was pronounced dead at University Medical Center later that night.